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Safety Institute). Vulnerability Assessment. Thunderstorm/lightning events can have the following potential impacts within a community: • Excessive wind; • Excessive water; • Damaging hail; • Electric power outage; • Surface and air transportation disruption; • Telecommunications system outage; • Human health and safety; • Psychological hardship; • Economic disruption; • Fire; and • Stormwater drainage impairment. Thunderstorms typically cause damage in a community by knocking down trees and power lines. Downed trees can block key roadways within a community, making emergency response more difficult. Downed power lines block roadways, disrupt businesses when power is lost, and pose threats to people when lines are severed. Mobile homes also are more susceptible during severe thunderstorm activity. According to the Housing Element of the Indian River County 2030 Comprehensive Plan, there are 7,193 mobile homes utilized as year-round dwelling units in the county. This represents 9.75 percent of the countywide housing stock in that category. Extent. In the United States, there are an estimated 25 million lightning flashes each year. In an average year, Florida sees around 1.4 million of these lightning strikes. This makes Florida the "Lightning Capital of the United States." Lightning occurs with every thunderstorm and, on average, Florida sees around 70-100 days a year with at least one thunderstorm in the state. Because of Florida's vulnerability to thunderstorms and lightning, lightning is one of the most deadly weather hazards in the Sunshine State. This statistic makes Indian River County more vulnerable and having a higher probability to lightning having an impact on our community. Risk Assessment. Vulnerability to severe thunderstorms and lightning is high in Indian River County, but many of the jurisdictions and population centers have only moderate Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 34